Engine Rebuilders

Mcfarlrm said
Could not pinpoint where the noise is coming from with the stethoscope. Placed it on the valve cover, heads, oil pan, bellhousing, etc. and did not hear the obvious ticking/knocking.

Did you unscrew the needle tip piece, and use the remaining "trumpet" end to get direction ? Then put trumpet on v/covers etc .
I can put trumpet on valve cover and hear each rocker as I move it along .